Thursday, September 23, 2010

Welcome, Melissa Schroeder!

Thanks so much for being my guest today to celebrate A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION! I'm giving readers an opportunity to ask you questions today, and thought I'd get the ball rolling - here are a handful of questions from me.

You've written a variety of books, do you have a favorite book or a favorite character?

What other authors do you enjoy reading? Are there any that you absolutely have to have when they have a new release?

You have two young daughters and a military husband, what family activities do you enjoy? Do your girls share your love of reading and writing? Any signs that there might be other Schroeder authors in the family?

Besides writing, what jobs have you held? Given the research you've done for books, are there any professions out there that especially intrigue you?

Okay readers, here's your chance to ask Melissa anything you want - within reason, of course! Here's a little more info about A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION, be sure to check it out!A Little Harmless ObsessionHarmless #3Samhain PublishingCheck out the TRAILER

What begins as a quest for submission becomes an unrelenting need for love.May Aiona’s crush on sexy Evan Chambers is a bad habit that should be easy to break. It’s not like he-s ever noticed her. Looking for a safe place to release the reins of control and explore her curiosity about BDSM, May takes a friend up on an invitation to visit an exclusive bondage club-all she has to agree to is a public submission.Evan can’t help but notice the exotically beautiful May. But despite his success, the dirty secrets of his past whisper that he’ll never be good enough for her. When Evan sees her standing in his club ready to submit to his best friend, he gives in to the thing he wants most-May as his sub. After their session, he knows one night will never be enough. But loving May isn’t easy for a man always ready to take charge. She might like to submit in the bedroom, but she doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do outside of it.When May insists she-s not in any danger from the person seemingly obsessed with her, she ends up in the sights of a deranged stalker-with Evan possibly too far away to help.

Warning: This book contains sexy Hawaiian settings, crazy relatives, and a submission scene that leaves the heroine breathless and the hero frustrated. There are toys, bondage, and love scenes so hot, you’ll need ice water and a towel. Remember, it’s a Harmless story, so you know there’s nothing harmless about it.~~~~~~~An excerpt:“If this ever got back to your father, he’d be furious.”Her eyes narrowed and she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “And what are you going to tell him, Evan? ‘Oh, Mr. Aiona, by the way, I stripped your daughter and made her submit to me in public.’” She snorted. “Yeah, I can see that going over really well.”Evan couldn’t respond. The image of what she’d just said popped into his mind and all the remaining blood headed south to his shaft. He could just imagine how she’d looked strapped to his bed, her body flushed with excitement, begging him for completion. His mouth went dry thinking of how it would feel to slide the flat of his tongue over her copper brown nipple. Not to mention sinking lower, pressing his mouth to her sex, tasting her, devouring her.“Ha!”Her voice brought him out of his fantasy with a jolt. He shook his head, trying to lose the image he’d conjured.“I knew you wouldn’t have an answer to that, bra. Daddy would castrate you on the spot.”That damn mouth of hers was going to be a problem. “You act odd for a woman who agreed to do this. Do you think you’re up to it?”Another mistake. It seemed to be a night for them. May thrived on challenges. And, even knowing that, understanding that this would ruin their friendship, he couldn’t seem to stop himself.“No problem. I can handle it. Can you?”His inner warrior who had been clawing at his throat revolted at the thought. He should resist. It would be best just to grab her and drag her out of here. But he couldn’t. He wanted to touch, to sample, to know what she sounded like when she came. The need humming in his veins took over all rational thought.“Do you actually think you’re up to it? Being stripped naked in front of a crowd of strangers? Are you ready to be watched as you lose yourself in submission?” he grated out.Closing her eyes, she shivered, her body apparently reacting to the image he’d painted. Damn.“I think you might regret pushing me, May.”She smiled and leaned forward, her eyes glittering with challenge. And damned if his cock didn’t rise up and cheer.“Prove it.”AMAZONBOOKS ON BOARDMY BOOKSTORE and MORE

If you'd like to be included in the draw for the first two books in this series, signed in print, ask Melissa a question. Can't think of a question? No problem, just leave a comment indicating that you're interested. If you're familiar with Melissa's work, feel free to mention that too! Melissa will draw a winning name in a day or two - be sure to stop back to see if you're a winner. If you think of additional questions, come back and ask them! Remember, I don't track down winners so you need to come back!

34 comments:

You've written a variety of books, do you have a favorite book or a favorite character?

I get asked this question a lot and I always say it changes, lol. Right now it really is A Little Harmless Obsession. Evan is a big favorite character of mine, I fell a little in love with him. I do with all my heroes, but Evan brings out a big of the maternal instinct because of what he went through. Part of me just wants to protect him.

What other authors do you enjoy reading? Are there any that you absolutely have to have when they have a new release?

Hmm, I am a big Nora fan. Waiting for that last book in the Bride series. Jayne Ann Krentz(and all names), Stephanie Laurens, Liz Carlyle, and I have recently discovered RG Alexander. I be in love with her so much I slobber on her. Another new author is a friend of mine, Kris Cook. He write darker than I usually like, but his stories are so damn compelling I cannot help myself.

You have two young daughters and a military husband, what family activities do you enjoy? Do your girls share your love of reading and writing? Any signs that there might be other Schroeder authors in the family?

Since we are in the DC are right now, when we have a chance to spend time together, it usually involves something historical, lol. Which makes this history nerd so happy. Both my girls are huge readers. My MIL got tickled at my oldest because at the age of six, she picked a book as her "toy" from Toys R Us. My youngest is the only one who writes. It started last year. She writes full stories and then she also changes books she has read. She tells me she doesn't like the endings, they need new ones, lol. She hasn't said she wants to do it for a job yet.

Besides writing, what jobs have you held? Given the research you've done for books, are there any professions out there that especially intrigue you?

OY, I had a lot of jobs. Child care provider, camp counselor, worked in an arcade, retail, student assistant(for the history dept which is what I based a lot of Grace Under Pressure on), hostess, tutor, math test grader, library aide, and mother. Last one was the hardest.I have been writing a few chefs here and there and I always thought it would be fun to have my own restaurant. Of course, I like the idea, but I don't think I would like working in the kitchen for hours on end, lol.

Hey Mel,It was great seeing you at RomCon and getting Lessons in Seduction signed, thanks. I have your Harmless collection in ebook form but I would love to get them in print, so please include me in the drawing. Have agreat day!!Zina

I've been wanting to read your novels for some time now but just haven't gotten round to it. I guess now is the time. The Harmless Series is the one that really caught my attention though. Congrats on your new release.

Laurie, I have wanted to be a writer since I was in middle school. I think it was Harper Lee's book To Kill a Mockingbird that inspired me. It took me a few years until I was in college to start writing for Creative Writing class. I was lucky enough to have a future poet laurete as my instructor whose best advice was to read everything I could get my hands on(something Stephen King suggests too) I found romance about 11 years ago and knew that was my genre;)

Laurie D, you are such a sweetie! Thanks so much. I do have another historical, linked to The Accidental Countess and Lessons in Seduction called The Spy Who Loved Her. It is due out this March in digital. I have a FAB cover for it too:http://www.melissaschroeder.net/thespywholovedher.htmlThe date on my website hasn't been updated because my editor wanted another Harmless book first, so it got pushed back:)

Hi Melissa,I have not read this series yet but it sounds wonderful! I was wondering if these need to be read in order? Are there recurring characters/settings or is each book in a new place with new characters?

Tina, I have tried a lot of other genres. I tried literary first, then cozy mysteries, women's fiction and some suspenses. For me, I want the romance so anything outside of the genre is just not for me. I want that Happily Ever After so I will probably always write romance. Now, I am not saying I will never change, but it is my true calling IMHO. And heck, we need happily ever afters. There aren't enough of them in real life.

Rhonda,The Harmless series does not have to be read in order. They are single title books that are basically strung together through characters. Right now, the books are taking place in Hawaii, A Little Harmless Lie ends in Vegas. I have one planned for New Orleans(can anyone say research trip?). From that point, I am not sure. I know will take place out West somewhere. And Chris, from A Little Harmless Pleasure, is from New Orleans and he has a ton of family.

Cories,I write just a tad bit hot for YA. I have thought about it, but I would probably have to write under a different name if I did. Publishers like you writing under another name if you write erotic.And thanks!

Ahhh, thanks sweetie. I wish the world would read me too! lolI just realized that Chris (alhp) has at least two brothers. One is a firefighter and the other is in the military, so if (crossing fingers) Samhain wants them, I will have quite a few of them in the future.

Mel, I so agree with Fedora about the world reading you - I know you've had wonderful success already, but I want *more* for you, you know? I want every romance reader out there to know who you are and enjoy your talent as much as I have!

Followed you here from Facebook. LOL, you are a jack of all trade. I think I had as many jobs as you had. Anyway, makes for great writing material, all that experience. Thanks for that excerpt and looking forward to reading Harmless Obessession which sounds like such a great steamy read.

How was your research into the story line of the heroine going to a BDSM club?

About Me

I've been married for 34 years (yes, Hub robbed the cradle), have two beautiful daughters, 23 and 28. We have a basset hound, Simon, and three cats, Sophie, Tony and Penny. I work full-time as a legal assistant. I enjoy reading, baking and walking. I write book reviews for the online review site, Romance Junkies.

PLEASE NOTE . . .

It is the responsibility of anyone who enters a contest on my blog to stop back and find out if they're a winner. I will not attempt to track you down. If I don't hear from a winner within the number of days specified when the winner is announced, I will draw a new name.